Michelle Ray Smith was studying to become a makeup artist when she was discovered. Whisked away to New York City, Smith embarked on a successful modeling career with commercial experience.She has been featured as a cover model for Fitness, Self, and Health magazines, among others. She has also appeared in the Victoria's Secret catalog, and has been featured in editorials for Shape, YM, Seventeen, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Mademoiselle. In addition to her varied print work, Smith has been seen nationally in commercials for Noxzema, Dentyne Ice, Oil of Olay, and Dannon.On August 24, 2005, Smith joined the cast of CBS' Guiding Light as the beautiful and troubled Ava Peralta. Her first venture into the world of acting, Smith continues to take acting classes while working at GL.Originally from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Ray Smith is a self-described "outdoors" type who loves camping, fishing, and jogging with her dogs. She is a proud owner of both Rottweilers and French Bulldogs, and has worked with the Humane Society and the Humane Society Disaster Relief Fund. She has also worked on behalf of the American Red Cross.Her birthday is September 24.